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The small country of Slovenia might go unnoticed on a fly-over since its coast runs only 26 miles, but packed within this Central European country’s confines are Alpine mountains, historic sights, mysterious caves and a good selection of beaches on the Adriantic Sea. Sandwiched between Italy and Croatia, Slovenia’s coastal road winds between the country’s four main beach resort areas – Koper, Izola, Piran and Portoroz.

Koper’s Beach and Debeli Rtic

Beach season in Slovenia runs from May through September, and the coast’s warm, dry summers typically replicate a Mediterranean climate. Of interest in Koper are the city’s historic Venetian-era streets, seafood restaurants and Koper's small pebble beach, Mestno Kopalisce, next to the marina on Kopalisko Nabreze. When cruise ships visit Koper’s harbor, the beach can become crowded, so you can alternatively head toward the Italian border to the Blue Flag beach at Debeli Rtic. Situated in a peaceful Mediterranean park of 4,500 trees and plants from all continents -- where the Youth Health and Holiday Centre Debeli is located -- Debeli Rtic has recreation options, nature paths, pebble beach, clear water and playgrounds for children.

Romantic Izola's Beaches

The romantic character in Izola’s narrow, atmospheric streets offers hints of the city’s past when it was an island and part of the Republic of Venice. Today Izola’s two public swimming areas, near the marina and lighthouse, are a combination of pebbles, sand and grassy areas. The well-maintained Blue Flag-designated private Simonovzaliv Beach at the San Simon Hotel Resort (sansimon.si) offers umbrellas and other amenities and includes a children’s water slide area . Between Izola and Piran and also awarded a Blue Flag, Krka Strunja borders a regional nature park and is privately managed by a health resort.

Lovely Piran

At the end of a narrow peninsula, Piran, described by Frommer’s as the loveliest place in Slovenia's Istrian Coast, displays an architectural style also tied to Venice’s legacy. Medieval streets lead you to the bell tower, where you can see sweeping views of the town and harbor and sea. Piran’s beaches are rocky areas, which might not seem beach-like to you, though about a half-mile east of town, a paved path leads to small, clean Fiesa Beach.

Bold and Brash Portoroz

When the salt beds no longer provided economic stability for Portoroz in the late 19th century, leftover brine and mud delivered the necessary components for a new focus -- mud baths and health centers. Thermal spas are still big here, along with an influx of discerning tourists drawn by luxury hotels, casinos, restaurants, brash nightlife and sunshine. The public Central Beach at Portoroz is the only natural sandy beach in Slovenia. A number of private beaches associated with hotels bring attention to this area, including the beach of Hotel St. Bernardin (h-bernardin.si). The Blue Flag organization (blueflag.org) lists Meduza Beach, managed by LifeClass Hotels (lifeclass.net), as the most beautiful and exclusive beach on the Adriatic. A Blue Flag eco-label is awarded to beaches and marinas that meet stringent standards; both Meduza Beach and Portoroz’s main beach are also Blue Flag beaches. Slovenian law ensures that everyone has equal access to all beaches, including private beaches, which charge entrance fees.

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About the Author

Edward Winkle got his start as a content writer and website manager for Guest Informant, a publisher of city guides. He continues to embrace topics on travel, real estate, health and nutrition. He graduated from Washington State University and lives in the Seattle area with his wife.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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